There is increasing commentary among the chattering classes about the importance of making China “pay a price” for its aggressive behavior, but the possibility of miscalculation and misjudgment makes it even more important that all participants step back from confrontation.

Could China’s export infrastructure drive be at risk from its actions in the South China Sea? To win overseas infrastructure contracts, China may have to choose between a trouble free ‘going out’ strategy, and an aggressive ‘island-building’ South China Sea policy.

What exactly is America's gripe with China in the South China Sea? The question becomes more and more important as the future of the world's most vital bilateral relationship becomes more and more dependent on what happens in this much-contested waterway. And the answer is not very clear.

Despite tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese General Fan Changlong is in the United States, being hosted by the Pentagon. Mil-to-mil exchanges been taking place since the mid-1990’s, despite opposition from U.S. congressional war hawks and Chinese hardliners. To build political support for productive U.S.-China mil-to-mil exchanges, such programs will have to produce real results, and soon.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter’s speech at the just concluded Shangri-La Dialogue had a theme of attacking China. He irresponsibly dumped blame on China for its construction activities on its own isles and reefs in the South China Sea, accusing China of sabotaging security in the Asia Pacific.

While the entire international community can certainly cooperate better on security issues, criticizing Beijing’s low-profile role is merely propaganda defaming China in the region. China’s economic contribution to the region is both significant and more than sufficient within the current global and regional context defined by US dominance.

Beijing’s role in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a multi-nation maritime operation, has become a point of controversy, even leading some U.S. leaders and analysts to suggest revoking an invitation. Losing a RIMPAC invitation may not deter Beijing’s more aggressive movements, and also reaffirm charges of U.S. containment.

It is in the interests of China and the United States, as well as the region and the world beyond, to have peace, stability and development in the Gulf and the Middle East. Washington’s recent summit with Gulf states reflects both the challenges and its enduring commitment to security concerns there.

China’s reclamation work offshore is not threats to other countries, but will improve the region’s weather forecasting and maritime-rescue capacity. The US and other countries, as well as international organizations, will be welcome to make use of the facilities it will build, so as to advance cooperation on humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

While it runs counter to the notion that China is “aggressive” in the South China Sea, the maritime delimitation agreement with Vietnam is important for both media and international scholars to study for a deeper understanding of China’s practice in dispute resolution.